September 22, 2017

Teacher/Staff Painting Night

The past few years I've been hosting/organizing painting nights at my school. It is an amazing time of fun, fellowship, and creativity. I have many teacher call it their "therapy". Though it does take some time, organization, and planning...the pay off is totally worth it!

Past painting nights I've asked teachers for $2 to cover the cost of canvases. I always buy from Michael's when they have their awesome 5pk/10pk sales, and they figure out to $2 or less! This time though...my principal found some funds to cover the canvas costs. I provided a variety of sizes for teachers to select from...but that's not always the case. Ya get what ya get and ya don't throw a fit! ha ha

I provide the acrylic paint. Most of my acrylic paint I've received through donations, or I've purchased using extra funds from the $2 a teacher thing. I always organize by color so teachers don't have to hunt. Time is limited, and I want them to be able to select their own colors!!

I do cut out a variety of tracers for the teachers if they are "afraid"...but I don't pre-do their canvases. I'm there to encourage, help out, and challenge....not do their work for them. That is what separates our paint nights from one of those Sips & Strokes(oh..and...the sips have to be school appropriate! ha ha). I pull up images on the projector to help give them ideas, but it is up to them to create them!!

TREATS!!!! What is a fun time together without some food! My wife made these yummies for our teachers & purchased the fun napkins!! She's the best!

So I set up each table for a teacher...with paper towel, water cup, and brushes. I thought this would be great...so teachers could spread out and have their own space. Well...as teachers came in...they started setting together. I guess they like each other?!?! ha ha I usually have about 15 to 20 teachers stay after(they sign up prior to the event so you know how to plan!!)